Sony has announced this morning that it has now begun rolling out the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Tablet S. Unlike many of its competitors, the Japanese company hasn’t made too many modifications to Google’s stock operating system, however, it has provided more of a desktop feel to some applications.
The first change you’ll notice after updating is that Ice Cream Sandwich now displays your notifications on the lock screen, providing direct access to all the applications that are vying for your attention. You also have direct access to the camera from the lock screen, and once you’re there, you’ll notice the new panoramic mode.
There’s also an enhanced media viewer that provides direct access to your SD card along with photo editing tools, such as the ability to crop images, make adjustments, and apply effects. That’s in addition to home screen folders, an enhanced web browser, and the ability to capture screenshots by pressing the power and volume buttons simultaneously.
These are all Ice Cream Sandwich features you’d find on any Android 4.0 device, so what has Sony added to its tablet?
Well, there’s a rather nifty feature called “Small Apps,” which is currently available to the Calculator, Browser, and Remote Control applications. Rather than opening your applications in fullscreen, it opens them within small windows over the top of the app you’re already running — rather like a desktop application. You can even move the windows around and slide them out of your way.
You can check out Small Apps and all of the other new features in Sony’s new Android 4.0 video above. And if you’re a Tablet S owner, you’ll find your Ice Cream Sandwich update within the Updates menu on your device (though it may take a little while to reach everyone).
Have you get Ice Cream Sandwich installed on your Tablet S yet?
[via SlashGear]